Glossary

algae

Very small one-celled plants that often grow in colonies

chlorophyll

The green pigment in plants that makes photosynthesis possible (and gives plants their green color)

clarity

A measure of how clear the water is

control tank

In science experiments, the tank that is used as a yardstick to measure the results in the experimental tank

dissolved oxygen

Oxygen trapped in between water molecules that plants and animals need in order to live

emissions

Gases and tiny particles that are released into the air as our car engines work

experimental tank

In science experiments, the tanks where the experiment takes place

food chains

The order of plants or animals in an ecosystem, each one eating the plant or animal before it on the chain

habitat

A place where animals and plants naturally live or grow

hypotheses

Predictions about an observation, experience, or scientific problem that can be tested by investigating further

hypothesis

A prediction about an observation, experience, or scientific problem that can be tested by investigating further; the singular form of hypotheses

minnows

Small fish

nitrogen

A chemical element that is necessary for plant and animal growth

nutrient loading

Introducing excessive amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus (nutrients) into a body of water

nutrients

The essential chemicals plants and animals need to grow and survive

photosynthesis

The process by which green plants use water, carbon dioxide, and light from the sun to make food and oxygen

predators

Animals and plants that kill and eat other animals or plants (called their prey)

rhizomes

Plant stems that grow underground, parallel to the surface, from which roots and stems grow

salinity

The level of salt in a body of water

SAV

An abbreviation for submerged aquatic vegetation, or
underwater plants that grow in shallow areas of the Bay

sediment

Material that is broken up and deposited on the bottom of a body of water, such as sand and silt